The architectural study deals with the design of a small, single-storey detached house, which can function either as a permanent residence or as a vacation house and provide comfortable accommodation to four people. The house plan develops symmetrically in relation to both the east-west axis and the north-south axis. The plan is generally structured according to five horizontal and three vertical imaginary zones, thus creating basically nine individual spatial sections, each of which has been assigned a function. The horizontal zone that crosses the house centrally along the east-west axis, accommodates the entrance, a small hallway and the covered external staircase which leads to a small basement. Symmetrically to the central horizontal zone extend another two wider horizontal zones. Two bedrooms and a bathroom are placed in the north zone, while the kitchen, the dining and the living room are situated in the south zone. The two remaining horizontal zones include two outdoor covered spaces situated towards the north and south side accordingly.

A small recess made in the west side wall of the house signifies the entrance, while also functioning as a threshold at the same time. The spaces occupying the south side of the plan communicate with the outdoor covered space through large openings, while smaller openings are chosen to connect the bedrooms with the outdoor covered space at the north side. The use of openings at both the east and west side has been avoided, mainly for aesthetic reasons. The design emphasises on the proper functioning of spaces, the appropriate orientation, the adequate lighting and ventilation of all rooms, while also encouraging a more direct contact between the occupants and the surrounding outdoor space through the use of outdoor covered spaces. The design aims at giving the house a simple form, thus making its construction faster and more cost effective. The dimensions of spaces, openings and building components have been standardised, wherever possible. A conventional construction method has been selected, with the load bearing structure made from reinforced concrete, masonry made from bricks and walls covered with a coat of render.

Architectural Design: Panagiotis Zakkas, Architect

Project Year: 2016